Upcycled Drawers | Hanging Wall Shelf

Looking to add some functional storage and style to your bathroom without spending a fortune? This DIY Upcycled Drawers project is the perfect solution! By upcycling old drawers into a hanging wall shelf, you can create the ideal spot to store toiletries, hand towels, or decorative accents—right over the toilet. It’s a clever way to give new life to something headed for the trash while adding character and charm to a small space.

I’ll show you how I upcycled two drawers into a hanging wall shelf for this month’s Thrift Store Tour. You will be surprised at how easy this project is.

Curbside Drawer Haul

Did you see my post about Repurposing Wood From Old Furniture? I explain how harvesting plywood from an old bed with storage drawers can yield a lot of fine lumber. For this project, I’m using two drawers I separated from the harvest wood.

Designing a Shelf From Upcycled Drawers

When doing a drawer shelf, you must decide how you want to design your upcycled drawer shelf. The designs are very different and will depend on your desired look.

I put the back of the drawers together for this drawer shelf when stacking them.

Prepare Your Dresser Drawer Project

First, I used drywall spackle to patch the hardware holes. You can use drywall mud or Bondo, whichever you prefer. This drywall patch changes color and dries very fast.

Next, I needed to secure the two upcycled drawers together. Gorilla Wood Glue is my go-to for this type of bonding.

While the glue was setting up, I used clamps to hold the drawers together.

When connecting to pieces of wood such as these drawers, you want to use enough glue to ensure a permanent hold. The spring clamps create a good hold; if you’re using an adjustable clamp, you don’t want to clamp too hard: it will cause too much oozing. Some glue will be present; a baby wipe works well to remove the glue before it dries.

Don’t Skip the Finishing Touches

After the wood glue dries, it’s time to tackle the unsightly dovetail joints of these cheap drawers. To begin their makeover, sand off the rough edges.

Spackle is used to smooth out the dovetail joints.

Then, more spackle and sanding complete the makeover and give the two drawers the flawless look of one drawer. So, if you’re keeping score, I used spackle three different times to get a smooth surface, sanding in between each time.

In my article about harvesting the wood from upcycled drawers, I mentioned the drawers’ unsightly thin plywood bottoms.

I located a thin piece of scrap plywood and cut it to size to cover up the glue and wood pieces on the back of the new shelf.

The new back was secured with a battery-operated Ryobi nail gun.

You could skip all of the above steps, but I wanted this shelf to look like recycled drawers without “seeing” two drawers stuck together.

I used Heirloom Traditions All-in-One Paint in the color “Bone.” This is after the first light coat of paint. I did two more light coats.

My favorite D rings were installed on the back for hanging. If your drawers are thin, you may need to attach a cleat as I did for this Shadow Box Project.

Choosing an Accent Color

Because the shelf will showcase white items, I decided to paint the back wall a shade of blue. The two choices were Irish Garden and Stormy. I’ve used the darker Irish Garden on other projects, but Stormy is a new color in my collection.

Painting an Upcycled Drawer Shelf With an Accent Color

Painter’s tape was applied to all sides of the drawer.

After applying the painter’s tape, I used a small paintbrush to apply the upcycled drawer shelf’s original “bone” color.

The shelf is now ready for the second color. As I said, it is “stormy,” and I applied it with a wider brush.

The very light hint of blue is perfect for the back of this shelf.

Removing the painter’s tape as soon as the paint is dry enough is best.The line is very crisp, just as I had hoped.

However, I had not noticed that the drawer was warped or something was askew in the top left corner. I believe there may have been some water damage that made the wood swell.

Small Two-Shelf Cabinet Made From Upcycled Drawers

Isn’t the new shelf so darn cute? It’s perfect for a bathroom, guestroom, or even a nursery.

I can also see this hanging over a portable coffee station or bar. It could hold coffee accessories and themed decor.

Pin This Idea For Later

Where would you hang it? Please leave a comment before you dash off to take the tour. I read every word!

These upcycled drawers from the curb were from a cheap bed. I recommend looking for spare drawers at a yard sale, thrift store, or your neighborhood ReStore.

Related Content: Twenty Five Repurposed Drawer Ideas

Now let’s see what the rest of the team has been working on.

Thrift Store Project Makeovers

• Upcycled Thrift Store Antique Radio Table
• High End Garden Planter Knockoff
• Rick Rack Home Decor
• Upcycled Drawers (You are here, thank you!)
• Spray Paint Wicker Table

Read more about Gail Wilson | My Repurposed Life